Thursday, March 3, 2011

An Anniversary Worth Remembering: The First Salmon Protection Law (March 02, 1889)

Craig Springer, editor of the always excellent Eddies magazine, sends along this reminder of an anniversary today:

An Anniversary Worth Remembering

by Craig Springer

On March 2, 1889, Congress enacted the first federal law intended to ensure the safe passage of salmon upstream. The law was plainly titled, " an act to provide for the protection of the salmon fisheries of Alaska." A violation would cost you $250 per day in fines.

Still, 122 years later, fish passage remains a top priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fisheries Program, not only in Alaska, but across the country. The National Fish Passage Program strives to connect fish to historic habitats needed for spawning, rearing, or overwintering. It’s a voluntary, non-regulatory program that provides technical and financial assistance to remove barriers to fish. To help get that done, you can take advantage of this tool. More habitat means more fish—and that’s good for people, too.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program is in its 140th year, working with you to conserve America’s Fisheries.

About Me

My name is Dr. Todd Larson, and I am a college history professor who writes on the history of fishing in America. I started this blog to help people better understand their outdoor heritage. I am originally from Duluth, Minnesota and live in Southwestern Ohio with my wife, daughter, three fish, two cats, and a dog.